The stifling quiet pushed her outside. Campfire songs and laughter filtered her way, but with no music in her heart, she remained alone. "I want to talk with Running Doe again."
"She does too, child."
"Hello, Gray Cloud." Her voice lacked enthusiasm.
"My wife mentioned your visit and sent me. How can I help?"
"Explain your grandsons," she said with a forced laugh, tears blinding her vision. "Why would Colby ask about Clay? Doesn't he know I like him?"
"Why did you not tell him?" he asked, with raised eyebrows.
"Because his question infuriated me."
Gray Cloud laughed. "Young love. People amaze me. Instead of saying what is in your hearts, you hurt each other with words or lack thereof. Why hide your feelings?"
Another simple yet complicated question. Some days I wish I were a horse, she thought. "No one wants to be alone," he said. "We are not meant to be alone. The spirits bring people together as friends, family, and partners. Some of these relationships last, others don't. Each person teaches us something."
"What did Clay teach me- to not have dreams?" Megan said, fighting back tears.
"No, child. Look beyond the surface."
Staring into his eyes, she hoped to see more, but it remained beyond reach. "Is that your advice?"
"Study your heart, Megan. It holds your answers." He turned to leave.
"Wait, Gray Cloud. Am I meant to be with Colby?"
"Your heart has that answer too. Good night, Megan."
"Good night." After collapsing onto the front porch step, she said, "That man confuses me."
"Me too."
The voice warmed her heart, but it did not remove the pain and uncertainty from earlier. "Why are you here?" she said, looking up at Colby.
"To apologize. I'm sorry about Clay."
"Sorry about Clay?" She stood ready to face him. The glare in her eyes made him flinch a bit, but Colby remained standing. "What about how you talked to me?" she asked.
"What do you mean?" His expression remained unchanged.
"It doesn't matter," she said, with a sigh. "Good night, Colby." When she brushed past, he took her arm; a gentle touch that proved warm and loving.
"When I saw you two kiss," he said.
"It meant nothing to me." She looked him directly in the eyes.